Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.


Doctors are trained to provide medical care, but patients also have a role to play. This week on Health Watch, we’ll discuss some ways you can work with your doctor to improve your health. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say one important thing you can do is keep track of your key medical information.

Your doctor keeps records of things like your ongoing medical condition and the medications you’re taking, but in an emergency, you might need care from someone who doesn’t have access to those records. Dr. Raymond Fowler, a UT Southwestern emergency physician, says you should carry a medical profile in your wallet. The profile should have information such as your blood type, allergies, medications you’re taking, contact information for your doctor and organ donation preferences.

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^March 2006

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